Revelation Chapter 15
1 I saw another great and marvellous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished.
2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvellous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.
4 Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."
5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts.
7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.
8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
Footnotes
- Verse 2 (image)
- Textus Receptus adds "his mark,"
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Revelation Chapter 15 Guide
Seven angels having seven plagues constitute that which "finished the wrath of God." First, the seer beheld the sea of glass and, standing by, the victorious host who had overcome the beast. They are seen, not as defeated and killed, but as triumphant and living. They sing the song of Moses, which is the song of law, and the song of the Lamb, which is the song of love. They have learned perfectly how law and love mingle and merge in the divine economy. The burden of song is praise to the Lord God Almighty. His words, His ways, His character, His acts are all referred to. Through all the terrible times of stress and strain these souls have walked by faith.
Now for them at last faith is lost in sight, and they chant the praise of God whom they served even at the cost of suffering and death.
Following this vision of the victorious hosts, John beheld the opening of a temple in heaven. It is "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony." From it come the seven angels having the seven final plagues. To these angels the bowls of wrath are given by one of the living ones. Behind these angels is seen in the temple the glory of God in such magnificence and majesty that none can know it until the judgment is ful6lled.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Revelation Chapter 15 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- A song of praise is sung by the church. -- (1-4)
- Seven angels with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. -- (5-8)
Verses 1-4
Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.
Verses 5-8
In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word. These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles, representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice, and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed, and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and spirituality, shall be firmly established.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.